Program Overview

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering

The Aerospace Engineering curriculum provides a thorough background in fluid dynamics, structures, propulsion, controls, flight dynamics, and design. The curriculum provides flexibility with regard to all areas of potential aerospace practice by emphasizing applied science, design, and technology while providing a firm foundation in mathematics and physics.

Engineering General Curriculum Requirements

All students must complete the unified set of general requirements for all engineering majors. These courses are often completed during the first two years at UVA Engineering with the exception of STS 4500 and 4600, which are taken during the fall and spring of the fourth year, respectively.

• APMA 1090 - Single Variable Calculus I (Credits: 3)
• APMA 1110 - Single Variable Calculus II (Credits: 4)
• APMA 2120 - Multivariable Calculus III (Credits: 4)
• CHEM 1410/1411 - Introductory Chemistry I & Lab (Credits: 4)
• CS 1110/1111/1112/1113 - Introduction to Programming (Credits: 3)
• ENGR 1010 - Engineering Foundations 1 (Credits: 4)
• ENGR 1020 - Engineering Foundations 2 (Credits: 3)
• PHYS 1425/1429 - Introductory Physics I & Lab (Credits: 4)
• PHYS 2415/2419 - Introductory Physics II & Lab (Credits: 4) – OR – ECE 2200 - Applied Physics
• STS 2600 - Engineering Ethics (Credits: 3)
• STS 4500 - STS and Engineering Practice (Credits: 3)
• STS 4600 - The Engineer, Ethics, and Professional Responsibility (Credits: 3)
• Math and Science Elective (Credits: 3)
• Humanities or Social Science Electives (Credits: 9)
• Unrestricted Electives (Credits vary per major)

The Undergraduate Curriculum

The Aerospace Engineering curriculum provides a thorough background in fluid dynamics, structures, propulsion, controls, flight dynamics, and design. The curriculum provides flexibility with regard to all areas of potential aerospace practice by emphasizing applied science, design, and technology while providing a firm foundation in mathematics and physics.

Aerospace engineering principles are reinforced and integrated through design assignments and significant “hands-on” experience with the latest in test equipment and modern experimental methods. A two-semester lab sequence in the third year builds on a basic skills and science background to develop an appreciation for measurement techniques and apparatus as well as to demonstrate aerodynamic concepts.

Curriculum Guides

• AE Curriculum 2024 - for 2024 Graduates
• AE Curriculum 2025 - for 2025 Graduates
• AE Curriculum 2026 - for 2026 Graduates
• AE Curriculum 2027 - for 2027 Graduates
• AE Curriculum 2028 - for 2028 Graduates
• AE Curriculum 2029 - for 2029 Graduates

Elective Information

• MAE Math Science Technical Electives 2020, 2021
• MAE Math Science Technical Electives 2022, 2023
• MAE Math Science Technical Electives 2024 and Later

Aircraft Design

The 4th year aerospace undergraduates spend the year designing an aerospace vehicle. This experience is a culmination of all the engineering courses that they have taken at UVa.

Research

Research Experience for Undergraduates Research is an important component of our undergraduate program in Aerospace Engineering. Many students are involved in hands-on research in one of the many active research laboratories within the department, either as paid research assistants or eager volunteers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What courses can satisfy technical electives?

See the MAE Math Science Technical Electives handout.

What is the policy for taking an overload (>19 credit hours per semester)?

The 19-hour credit limit is a reasonable upper bound on the load an engineering student can undertake with success. However, after discussing with your advisor, students with a strong academic record may request permission to take an overload (>19 hours) through a form available at the School of Engineering Undergraduate Office.

I want to take two courses that meet at the same time. Is this possible?

Normally, no. However, for some classes with minimal overlap, e.g. if the lecture portion of an MAE lab course conflicts with another course, it may be possible. If you need this accommodation, discuss it first with the course instructors to develop a plan to de-conflict exams and other course requirements.

How do I become a part-time student? Are the requirements different if I’m a 4th year with less than 24 credit hours to fulfill my graduation requirements?

Underclassmen can make requests to go reduced load (7-11 hours/semester) or part-time (6 hours or less) to Dean Will Guilford after discussing plans with your advisor.

I earned a D in a course. Do I have to retake it? Should I retake it?

A “D” grade is considered a passing score, albeit indicating some significant weaknesses. Aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering undergraduate programs accept D-level work for individual courses. However, a cumulative 2.0 (C average) GPA is required to remain in good academic standing and to graduate.

How do I find out about transferring a course from another school? Is there a way to see if a course will count before taking it?

The School of Engineering maintains a Transfer Equivalency List of pre-approved courses within the US and overseas.

SIS shows that a transfer course has insufficient number of credit hours to meet the degree requirements, e.g. my math class was only 3 credits and the APMA equivalent is 4. How do I satisfy the missing credit?

You can satisfy the missing credit with an additional Math/Science/Technical course at an equal or higher level, i.e. with a higher course number.

Is it possible to substitute a course for a required class in the curriculum?

Exceptions to the required AE and ME curricula are rare. However, students may submit an Engineering Curriculum Modification request. Note that the modification will need to be endorsed by your advisor and approved by the Undergraduate Program Director.

Licensure Disclosure

As a member of the State Authorizations Reciprocity Agreement, the University of Virginia (UVA) is authorized to provide curriculum in a distance learning environment to students located in all states in the United States except for California.

Upon completion of an engineering degree program which prepares graduates for licensure or certification, graduates may be eligible for initial professional licensure in another U.S. state by applying to the licensing board or agency in that state.

Enrolled students who change their current (or mailing) address to a state other than Virginia should update this information immediately in the Student Information System as it may impact their ability to complete internship, practicum, or clinical hours, use Title IV funds, or meet licensure or certification requirements in the new state.

Students may use the Reduced Course Load Request Form to make the request.

In any case, students are encouraged to research the implications of this decision on student housing, financial aid, athletic eligibility, and benefits.